First-Time Homebuyer Programs

We know getting your first home is one of the biggest steps you will take in your life. That's why we're here to help. First-time homebuyers can receive up to a $15,000 grant through our First Front Door Program**, a $500 closing cost credit through American Heritage, and a $250 gift card to The Home Depot!1

Homebuying

First Front Door Program

In the First Front Door Grant Program**, American Heritage works with FHLBank Pittsburgh to assist first-time homebuyers with the closing costs and down payment for their new home up to $15,000. Borrowers who contribute $1,500 of their own funds will be eligible for a maximum grant of $15,000!

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My CU Home Connection

My CU Home Connection™ is the most progressive home buying and selling service program in the real estate industry. We offer excellent value to our clients by coordinating a team of real estate agents and industry professionals that provide you with a simple, efficient process and an attractive financial rewards package.

We will support you each step of the way as you:

  • Earn up to a Receive 20% reward from commission paid to First Heritage Realty.*
  • Receive a $500 lender credit when you get a mortgage from American Heritage.* 
  • American Heritage Credit Union members will receive a $250 Gift Card to The Home Depot® when they purchase their home through a My CU Home Connection agent.
  • Our trusted real estate agent will help you find the right home, negotiate your offer, guide you through the home buying process, and settle quickly! 

Learn more about our My CU Home Connection or call 855.525.7900 for additional information.


How do I get started?

    1
  • Apply for a mortgage and you'll automatically apply for the credit promotion with the same application. Or give us a call at 800.808.2662 to speak with a mortgage professional.
  • 2
  • We'll work with you to complete your application for the program.
  • 3
  • We'll submit your completed application.
  • 4
  • Your application will be processed within 10 business days.

View our mortgage rates, apply for a mortgage or call to speak with a mortgage professional about our First-Time Homebuyer Program today! 

Apply for a Free Preapproval*** and our first time homebuyer program!    


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FAQ

Who is eligible for the My CU Home Connection Credit promotion? How do you qualify as a first-time homeowner?

The My CU Home Connection Closing Cost Credit promotion of up to $500 is a lender credit that is valid for first-time home purchase transactions only, meaning that the borrower has not owned a home in the previous three years. Additionally, this offer is for a primary residence only, meaning that vacation or investment properties are not valid qualifications for the offer.

Can you combine My CU Home Connection Credit with with other community grant programs?

Yes, the My CU Home Connection Closing Cost Credit promotion can be used in conjunction with other community grant programs such as First Front Door. 

Subject to loan program guidelines and eligibility

How is the American Heritage Lender credit applied?

Up to a $500 lender credit will be given at the time of closing, subject to qualification. Offer valid for first-time home purchase transactions only. If the borrowers closing costs exceed $500, the balance will be paid by the borrower. The lender credit can only be used for non-recurring closing costs including title insurance and recording fees, and can’t be applied toward down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Finally, borrowers cannot receive the program credit as cash back.

Are there limitations for the offer?

My CU Home Connection™ is available to you through a participating credit union membership. Cash Rewards are available to members who register to use My CU Home Connection™ and who use a qualified real estate agent in the My CU Home Connection™ network to buy or sell their home. It is not a requirement to use any or all of the service provider partners in order to earn the realty cash rewards. Cash rewards amounts are dependent on the commissions paid to the agent. The credit union may have specific rules on how cash rewards will be paid. Cash rewards are void where prohibited by law or the lender. Please consult with your credit union for details that may affect you. Account with a minimum balance of $15 to be eligible.

My CU Home Connection is valid as of December 1, 2023 and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Member must obtain a mortgage from American Heritage Credit Union to be eligible. Limit one gift card per household. Offer valid on a home purchased in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. Member must be in good standing with a minimum $15 deposit to receive offer. Members receiving incentives may be responsible for paying taxes on the incentives. This offer is not redeemable at The Home Depot® stores, American Heritage Credit Union will provide welcome gift card to member within 60 days of closing.

What are the qualifications for the First Front Door grant?

To be eligible for grant assistance, each homebuyer must satisfy the following:

  • A person who has not owned an eligible property used as their primary residence in the last three years
  • This also includes if purchasing jointly with other individuals, at least one person has not owned an eligible property used as a primary residence in the last three years
  • This also includes any person that has owned an eligible property jointly with another individual and is now independently purchasing an eligible property, or
  • If an investment property is owned, the person has not lived there and has not owned an eligible property used as a primary residence in the last three years.
  • Contribute personal funds as part of the down payment and closing costs.
  • Have an income at or below 80 percent of the area median income at the time of enrollment in the program. For information on state income limits visit the Department of Housing and Urban Development site.
  • Retain the home for five years from the loan closing date to keep the full amount of the grant. If the home is sold prior to five years, some of the grant subsidy may need to be repaid.
  • Complete at least four hours of homeownership counseling from an approved counseling agency prior to the purchase of the home. Counseling must include the topic of predatory lending.

Does my home qualify for the First Front Door Program?

 

Qualified first-time homebuyers can use FFD and Keys grants toward closing costs and down payment assistance on eligible properties that are intended as the primary residence of the homebuyer at the time of program enrollment. These properties include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and modular units. Manufactured homes may be eligible if they are permanently affixed to a site. Investment properties are not eligible for FFD or Keys assistance.

When does the First Front Door $15,000 Grant program begin?

 

The First Front Door program begins on April 16, 2024, however members are encouraged to apply for a free pre-approval*** sooner if they’d like to begin home shopping. We will automatically apply you for the grant on April 16th if you apply for a mortgage before that date.

What are the full terms and conditions for the My CU Home Connection Credit Program?

 

Offers valid as of 3/1/2022. All offers are subject to change without prior notice.

*The American Heritage Credit Union My CU Home Connection Credit promotion is a lender credit for specified mortgages funded with American Heritage Credit Union. Up to a $500 lender credit will be given at the time of closing, subject to qualification. Offer valid for first-time home purchase transactions only. If closing costs exceed $500, the balance will be paid by the borrower. The lender credit can only be used for non-recurring closing costs including title insurance and recording fees. This credit cannot be applied toward down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Borrowers cannot receive program credit as cash back. Valid for borrowers who have not owned a home in the previous three years. Available for primary occupancy homes located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey or Delaware. May be combined with certain community grant programs. Not available with all loan products, please ask an American Heritage Credit Union mortgage lender for details. American Heritage Credit Union may discontinue this offer at any time without prior notice. Equal Housing Lender. Available to members in good standing; Must have an American Heritage Savings Account with a minimum balance of $15 to be eligible.

**All offers are subject to change without prior notice.

**First Front Door grants are provided by FHLBank Pittsburgh through a network of lenders. 

 

Blogs

7 Ways to Make Homebuying Easier

By: American Heritage
02.01.24
Without the right support and preparation, buying a home can feel a lot like putting together a puzzle with only half of the pieces: time-consuming and frustrating. From house-hunting to closing, the homebuying process takes 4 to 6 months on average and involves multiple moving parts, so it’s no surprise that many homebuyers find it overwhelming. If you want to simplify and streamline your experience, you can take steps to better prepare and set yourself up for a smooth road to homeownership.

First Time Buying a Home? Avoid These 7 Mistakes

By: American Heritage
08.26.21
Buying a house is a great investment in your future. But the process can be a bit confusing when you’re first starting out. If you’re not careful, or let your emotions get the better of you, it’s possible to make mistakes that can derail the homebuying process or lead you to a home that isn’t the best fit for you (or your finances). Be sure to avoid these common homebuying mistakes from the beginning.

5 Steps to Buying Your Dream First Home

By: American Heritage
04.25.19
To make your dreams a reality and bring your vision to life, it’s important to plan ahead. That’s why we’ve compiled the list of our top five steps for first-time home buyers, to help as you look to purchase a new home.
A woman holding the keys to her new home

Want to learn more?

Sign up to receive our free Home Buying Guide. Learn what you need to successfully navigate the homebuying process!

*My CU Home Connection™ is available to you through a participating credit union membership. Cash Rewards are available to members who register to use My CU Home Connection™ and who use a qualified real estate agent in the My CU Home Connection™ network to buy or sell their home. It is not a requirement to use any or all of the service provider partners in order to earn the realty cash rewards. Cash rewards amounts are dependent on the commissions paid to the agent. The credit union may have specific rules on how cash rewards will be paid. Cash rewards are void where prohibited by law or the lender. Please consult with your credit union for details that may affect you. Account with a minimum balance of $15 to be eligible.

**All offers are subject to change without prior notice. First Front Door grants are provided by FHLBank Pittsburgh through a network of lenders. To participate in Keys, homebuyers must be first-time homebuyers and identify as a Minority and/or First-Generation homebuyer, as defined by FHLBank.

***All loans are subject to credit qualification, credit worthiness and other factors. All rates, promotions and offers are subject to change without notice.

1 Offer valid as of January 1, 2024 and subject to change or cancellation without notice. Member must purchase home through First Heritage Realty Alliance. Limit one gift card per household. Offer valid on a home purchased in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Member must be in good standing with a minimum $15 deposit to receive offer. Members receiving incentives may be responsible for paying taxes on the incentives. This offer is not redeemable at The Home Depot® stores, American Heritage Credit Union will provide welcome gift card to member within 60 days of closing. American Heritage Credit Union is not affiliated with The Home Depot®. The Home Depot® is not a sponsor of this promotion. The Home Depot is a registered trademark of Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved. American Heritage Credit Union is an owner of First Heritage Realty Alliance, LLC. American Heritage Credit Union is not a real estate company.

SAFE Act

In compliance with stipulations required under the SAFE Act, American Heritage Federal Credit Union, AMHFCU, is hereby listing the unique identifier information, also known as the NMLS#, for AMHFCU below:
AMHFCU | #433838